Bolton Wanderers are ready to hand Nicolas Anelka a pay-rise to convince him to stay at the Reebok stadium.

Anelka is being chased by West Ham, Manchester United and Portsmouth at a hefty asking price of £12million.

The Hammers have met the fee, while Pompey have already had talks with Anelka's representatives - putting both clubs ahead of United.

But now Wanderers boss Sammy Lee has told his board he wants to keep the French hitman, whose goals Lee sees as crucial if Bolton are to climb up the table.